Gardening a Healthy Hobby
What is an Integrative Physician?
I recently wrote about the difference between Integrative and Alternative medicines, but you may wonder what exactly is involved in becoming a certified integrative physician?
Continue reading “What is an Integrative Physician?”7 Ways to Make Seasonal Allergies Less Annoying
Ah-choo!
Many of us will be spending time outdoors with our families this summer, but the beautiful blooming flowers and trees producing airborne pollen may put a damper on our plans, as they cause sniffing and sneezing. While seasonal allergies are a reality and affect about 35 million Americans, there are proactive and integrative approaches you can take to lessen your symptoms and fully appreciate summer’s splendor.
Continue reading “7 Ways to Make Seasonal Allergies Less Annoying”Racism, Public Health, and My Commitment
I would like to begin this message by apologizing for the delay in formulating my thoughts and words for my patients, colleagues and the community. It was never my intention to appear uncaring by remaining silent during this monumental time in our lives and our history, and I assure you that I continue listening, learning and taking action to serve the community as a whole.
Continue reading “Racism, Public Health, and My Commitment”New Guidelines, Research for SIBO
For the past decade, I have been addressing and treating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, and am continually surprised that it is so often overlooked in conventional medicine. Just last week I met with two new patients via telehealth, and although both had classic symptoms of SIBO, neither had been approached about exploring this condition.
Continue reading “New Guidelines, Research for SIBO”Considering Running? Now’s the Time!
If you’re considering a new exercise regimen during this time of sheltering, I’d like to put in a plug for running. In completing research recently on longevity and healthy aging, I came across “The Runner’s Study,” which prompted me to want to convey the rewards of running, something I started in elementary school, continued throughout college and medical school and today still find beneficial for both the body and mind.
Continue reading “Considering Running? Now’s the Time!”Integrative Medicine is Not Alternative Medicine
Over the years I have been approached by patients who seek my care in an effort to bypass conventional medicine. It’s understandable, as many are dissatisfied by the tendency of conventional medicine to focus on high-tech interventions and pharmaceutical management of established disease. There are beneficial aspects of conventional care, most notably acute and surgical care, but I am concerned about those forgoing the preventive aspects of conventional medicine, such as cancer screenings, immunizations and medications that can prevent complications or progression of disease. In addition, I have also seen those declining curative cancer therapy.
Continue reading “Integrative Medicine is Not Alternative Medicine”Maintaining a Healthy Immune System During the Ongoing Threat of COVID-19
With the recent and ongoing threat of COVID-19, we are reading more than ever about the immune system, its function, and its failures. And while it would be a hopeful prospect to improve upon a normal and/or healthy immune system, there is little to no evidence that we can take supplements or drink juices to make it work more efficiently. In short, “immune-boosting” is not a possibility.
The good news is that we can make changes in our daily lives to maintain a normal immune response. Here are a few ways that we can keep our system strong.
Continue reading “Maintaining a Healthy Immune System During the Ongoing Threat of COVID-19”Immune Boosting? Sadly, No Such Thing
The term “immune-boosting” has been a pet peeve of mine for a number of years, as it falls into the category of health trends with no medical backing. I suspect the concept stems from vaccine literature, referencing a “booster” as an additional dose of vaccine given to re-expose a patient to the immunizing agent.
Continue reading “Immune Boosting? Sadly, No Such Thing”24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring for Prevention, Wellness
When I meet a new patient I spend 90 minutes with them, piecing together an extensive timeline, working decade by decade to create a thorough personal history, both generational and environmental. It’s the first step in developing a holistic view of the patient. The next step is testing – looking for the normal, the abnormal, and the path toward prolonged health and vital aging.
This year, I expanded my offerings to include new methods of health assessment, bringing in tools that screen for and monitor biomarkers of health and risk of disease. In the weeks to come, I will be sharing information on the office’s new technology. I hope that you, too, will recognize the importance of wellness through prevention and not wait until you are “sick enough” to take steps toward living optimally.
Continue reading “24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring for Prevention, Wellness”